Discord is a full-featured voice and text chat platform that allows you to set up large or small chat servers for your gaming, social, or business groups. However, what many people don’t know about Discord is that it also offers a complete video calling and screen sharing solution.
Discord allows you and up to nine other people on your server to conduct live video chats while sharing desktops simultaneously. This feature is built into the main Discord app – no need to install additional programs.
Screen sharing can be incredibly useful and makes Discord a real competitor to other meeting and video calling apps currently on the market. Apart from the added benefits of an alternative messaging app that does not consume unnecessary bandwidth while streaming or gaming; Discord and its screen sharing feature are free!
This article will show you how to set up and use the screen sharing and video calling features in Discord.
Set up Discord screen sharing and video calling
To start, we need to make sure that your video and audio hardware is configured correctly in your Discord client. Connect any webcam and microphone you plan to use for video chatting.
Video/Camera Settings
Begin:
- Gonna Settings (the gear icon just to the right of your username at the bottom left of the Discord interface.
- Scroll to Application Settings and select Voice and Video.
- Scroll to the Video settings and select your video camera from the dropdown menu. On the right, you have the option to Test video to make sure everything is working correctly.
Additional web browser steps
If you use the Discord browser app instead of the standalone client, you may need to enable camera access from the pop-up window to use the device properly.
If so, click the Allow Button to confirm access.
This will give Discord permission to access your phone or computer’s microphone and camera to ensure everything is working properly.
Once everything is set up, you can start sharing your screen on Discord.
Share your screen
Once everything is set up and ready to go, you’ll be able to share your screen within your video call. To do this:
- Click the server you want to share your screen with.
- Click Screen.
- Choose which screen you would like to share.
- Adjust the quality of your video.
- Click Go to live.
The instructions for this part are the same for PC, Mac, and web users.
Share your screen on Discord Mobile
Fortunately, you can also easily share your screen on the Discord mobile app! If you are on the go or just using your phone, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Discord mobile app and access the server you are working with. Then, tap to join a video call.
- Next, tap the option to share your screen at the bottom. You will need to confirm that you want to share your screen.
- After confirmation, you will show your screen to everyone in the chat.
When you’re ready to stop sharing your screen, tap the red hang up icon at the bottom right.
Using the video calling and screen sharing functions (smartphone)
The user interface of the smartphone version of the Discord app is slightly different from that of the desktop version.
If you’re using Discord on your iPhone or Android, these are the different options and features you’ll have access to during a call.
Audio output (iOS only)
Located at the top right of the screen next to the Switch Camera icon, this option will allow you to switch the audio output between using your iPhone’s default speakers or a wireless headset. The icon appears as an iPhone with a speaker at the bottom right.
Change camera
You can seamlessly switch between the front- and rear-facing cameras of your smartphone. The icon is displayed as a camera with a double-headed arrow.
Toggle camera
Towards the bottom center of your smartphone screen, the leftmost icon is the Toggle Camera icon. Tap this icon to turn the camera view on or off.
Toggle mute
The icon on the right side at the bottom center of your smartphone screen is the “Toggle Mute” button. Tap here to mute and unmute your phone’s microphone during a Discord call.
Frequent questions
We have the answers to your most frequently asked questions in this section.
Does Discord charge to use the screen sharing feature?
No, Discord and all its features are free. Although a Discord Nitro subscription ($9.99/month or $99.99/year) allows for some additional features, you don’t need to pay to use screen sharing.
Why am I having trouble sharing my screen?
There are several reasons why you may have difficulties with audio or video; Check out this article for troubleshooting tips and solutions.
How do I hide non-participants while in grid view?
If you’re using Discord’s grid view and it’s full of other people who aren’t live with you, you can easily hide their screens from yours. All you need to do is click on the three horizontal dots in the top right corner. Then, uncheck the box to Show participants who do not participate in video.
Final thoughts
Discord’s screen sharing feature is another benefit for users. You can show others what you’re doing on your computer without having to download and log in to another app.
